Steering device for motor-vehicles.



No. 693,330. Patented Fob. II, I902.

0. F. PEBSSON. STEERING DEVIGE FOB MOTOR VEHICLES.

(Appliqltion filed Feb. 19, 1900.)

2ShaetsShaat I.-

(No Model.)

INVENTOR ATTORNEYS WITNESSES "0.093.330. Patontad mp", I902 o. F. PERSSDN.

STEERING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.

(Application filed m. 19, i900.

' 2 sham-sheet 2.

(No Model.)

INVENTOR 8 Mall/07 ATTORNEYS.

MTNESSES //4QAZWZ= we ucmms Pawns co.. PHOTO-LITE10., WASHINGTON, n. c.

NITED STATES PATENT Orrilcpe.

OTTO F. PERSSON, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO ELIHII THOMSON, OF SWAMPSOOTT, MASSACHUSETTS.

STEERING DEVICE FOR MOTOR-VEHICLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 693,330, dated February 1 1, 1902.

Application filed February 19, 1900. Serial No. 5 ,730- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, OTTO F. PERSSON, of Lynn,coun ty of Essex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Steering Apparatus, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawin gs, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.-

This invention has for its object the production of novel steering apparatus wherein the steering member is changed as to its position by or through a suitable controller, means being provided to lock the steering member automaticallyin any given position, the operation of the controller releasing the locking means and also serving to change the position of the steering member.

My invention is applicable to any form of Vehicle with which a steering member cooperates to direct its course, irrespective of the nature of the medium on which the vehicle travels; but I have herein chosen to illustrate my invention as practically embodied in steering apparatus for automobile vehicles as affording a Wide field for usefulness. It

has been found by the users of such vehicles that when the steering wheel or wheels, which I have hereinafter included in the compre: hensive term steering member, strikes an obstruction-such as a stone, rut, or hillock there is a very great tendency to violently and suddenly turn the steering member out of its previous position and through its .connection with'the steering-handle or controller to tear the latter from the grasp of the operator. In such event control of the vehicle is momentarily lost, and serious accidents have resulted therefrom before the operator could regain control andreturn the vehicle to its proper course. The use of a worm and worm-gear between the controller and the steering member has been proposed; but it is slow and cumbersome in operation and requires undue power to operate it, and, furthermore, lacks in sensitiveness and delicacy of action.

In my present invention I have provided rapidly-acting, sensitive, and powerful means for locking the steering member at any point in its path of movement, while at the same time the slight power required to move the controller instantly releases the locking means and maintains it released until the steering member has assumed its new position. 7

. Figure l is a part sectional view on the lines 1 1, Fig. 2, of one form of steering apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a top or plan view thereof and partly in section on the line 2 2, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a top or plan view, on a smaller scale, showingthe applica tion of such embodiment of my invention to the steering-wheels of an automobile vehicle. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional detail of the locking means, taken on the line 4 4,Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a part front elevation, centrally broken out, of thesteering axle and wheels of a vehicle, illustrating anotherembodiment of my invention, the controller being omitted. Fig. 6 is a top or plan view thereof, also centrally broken out,'but showing some of the parts omitted in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail plan view of the locking means, such as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, but applied to the right-hand wheel-spindle. Fig. 8 is a part sectional view of the locking means on the line 8 8, Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9 9, Fig. 8, showing the internal structure of the locking means.

For convenience in illustration and description I have chosen to present myinvention as applied, in its practical embodiment, to the steering-gear of an automobile vehicle, and in Fig. 3 the steering-axle A is shown as provided at its ends with pivotally-supported spindles a for the hubs of the steeringwheels A the spindles having attached armsa set at an angle thereto, the swinging of the spindles on their fulcra changing the position of the steering-wheels in well-known m'au-.. ner and directing the path of movement of the vehicle.

In Figs. 1 to 4 I have shown one form of.

positively-operating locking means interposed between -the steering member-2'. e., the steeringwheels and thecontrollershown in Fig. 3 as an angularly-movable or laterally-swinging arm A which is usually brought up into position to be conveniently held by the operator of the vehicle. .A clampcollar 0 O is herein shown as rigidly secured to the axle A at its center by suitable too bolts e which secure the parts of the collar together and clamped in position, the member 0 having rigidly secured to or forming part of it an open ring or annular member 0, forming a part of the locking means. Within this ring and movable relatively thereto is mounted a hub-like cam member 0, herein shown as having at its upper end a laterallyextended flange c-, which rests upon and is supported by the upper end of the annulus c. Herein the periphery of the member 0 is provided with three projections 0 Figs. 2 and 4, which extend substantially to the inner circumference of the fixed member a. The periphery of the member 0 between said projeciions is divided into pairs of opposite camfaces 3 a to cooperate with pairs of preferably hardened-steel locking-dogs (shown as rolls 30 40) interposed between the members 0 and c, a pair of dogs between each two projections Suitable springs s tend to move the dogs of a pair toward each other, and referring to Fig. at it will be manifest that ordinarily rotative movement of the member 0 will at once be resisted by one or other dog of a pair, the locking means acting as a friction-clutch, the space between the members 0 and c decreasing from adjacent a projection 0 to the intersection of a pair of camfaces 34. The movable member 0 is herein shown as having a rigidly-attached radial arm 0, (represented as bifurcated, Fig. 2, and connected by a cross-piece 0 the triangular arm thus formed being pivotally connected by links a with the spindle-arms a, so that rotative movement of the member 0 will correspondingly change the position of the steering member.

Referring to Fig. 1, a disk 0 is applied to the bottom of the member 0, arigidly-attached stud c on said disk being extended freely up through a suitable hole in the center of the member 0 and entering the head (1 of a radial arm (Z, to which the stud is secured, as by a pin 10, the head resting on the top of the member 0, and the disk 0 and flange a will be held securely in position on the annulus c by the stud and pin described. I have shown the disk 0 as provided with upturned projections 0 made segmental in shape to enter between the fixed and movable members 0 c of the locking means and interposed between the several pairs of locking-dogs 30 40, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4. If new the disk be rotated in the direction of arrow 50, Fig. 4, the projections 0 which constitute releasing devices, will press the dogs 40 against their springs into inoperative position, unlocking the member 0, which can be rotated in the same direction, while reverse movement of the disk renders dogs 30 inoperative, and the member 0 can be turned opposite arrow 50, such rotative movement operating the steering member, as described. The head d is shown as provided with upturned ears (1', between which the controller A is mounted and secured by a pivot (1 and rotative movementof the controller about the stud c as a center will release the locking means and also swing the arm cl. It will thus be seen that relative movement of the arms connected with the movable member 0 of the locking means and the releasing device, respectively, releases the locking means, and consequently permits the position of the steering member to be changed, and obviously if said arms are thereafter moved in unison the member 0' will be rotated and the steeringwheels adjusted as desired. The cross-bar c is provided with transverse lugs at opposite sides of its center to receive headed studs e threaded for a portion of their length at c, Fig. 2, to engage threaded holes in the lugs, sleeves e sliding loosely on the inner ends of the studs and having notched heads 0 to receive between them the arm 01 of the releasing device. Springs .9 of equal strength are interposed between the heads and the lugs to normally self-center the arm between the lugs with the releasing projections c in mid or inoperative position, the sleeves 0 having longitudinal play on the studs, which latter are held in adjusted position in the lugs by suitable checknuts 0", adjustment of the studs regulating the relative movement of the arms d c by or through the yielding steps or sleeves 0. Now when the controller A is swung laterally the arm (.Z moves therewith until stopped by one of the stops 0 the locking means having been released, as described, and thereafter the arm 0 will be moved in unison with the controller and with arm (Z and the steering member will be changed in position. As soon as the pressure upon the controller is relaxed, the arm d will be centered by the springs s relatively to the arm 0 and the locking-dogs described will instantly operate,and the steering member will be locked positively in its new position and maintained in such position until the controller is again manipulated, as described. Initial movement of the controller to steer thus releases the locking means, and continued movement thereafter changes the position of the steering member, the unlocking and automatic locking being effected rapidly and positively, while there is practically no more effort required to operate the controller when my invention is employed than when such a device is not used. After the locking means has been released the strain due to changing the position of the steering member is not transmitted through the locking means, but is entirely independent thereof.

In Figs. 5 and 6 I have shown the locking means as differently applied, though its general construction and mode of operation are the same, the steering-axle E having secured to its ends arched brackets E which provide long upright bearings e for the fulcra of the steering-wheel spindles E suit-able nuts 2 retaining the fulcra in their bearings. Arms 6 extend substantially horizontally from the spindlesat an angle thereto and are shown in dial projections f3 and pairs of opposite c am-.-

- 'faces 7 8, with cooperating locking-dogs 7 80 and their springs .9 all substantially as describedand operating similar-lye The ful crum e is shouldered at'e one end of the hub abutting against it, and near its lower end a second shoulder e supports a disk f which isclamped against the cam-hub f by means .of lock-nuts 90 92, screwed onto the threaded portion e of the fulcrum, the disk' rotating upon the-lower1end ofthe ringf,

which forms the fixed memherof. the locking means. Adisk f centered on said fulcrum above the hubf,which is the movable memberof the locking means, has an attached 7 arm f and segmental releasing projections f interposed between ;thepairs of lockingdogs and between thefixed and movab'le members ff, (see Fig. 9,)said diskf and: the attachedparts having a slight r0- tat-ive.moven1ent relative to the member f and the spindle-fulcrum 6 The'latterhas a rigidly-connected arm e ,the free endof which extends between the yielding stop-sleeves f mounted 'on adjustable studs f, held in lugs f on the arm f springs s lracting on the stops to take up shock and to normally center the arm f7 relatively .to arm e to thereby normally maintain inoperativethe releasing device for the locking means, the arm f in this construction having thus a limited yielding and adjustable movement relative tothe arm a. p

In Figs. ,6 and 7 the end of on which the lugs f are erected.

It is vto be noted that Figs. 5 and 6 showthe locking device cooperatingdirectly with the left-hand wheel-spindle, while Figs. 7 and 8 refer tothe right-hand spindle, such change being made merely in order that the arrangement of the figures could be eftectedwithout crowding. The arm f is connected by a suitable joint J with a link 1, the latter being jointed at its other end withthe usual steering-head or controller, movement ofthe latter swinging the arm f first to release the locking, means and, thereafter to move the arms f e in unison to change theposition ofthe steering member. a

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the two modes or applying the lockingmeans do not alter the manner of operation thereof orthe essential construction of such locking means. I have shown the cam member of said means as provided withthree pairs of v the arm-j" isv extended laterally to forma T-shaped portionopposing cam-faces and a corresponding number of locking-dogs; but it will be obvious that a greater or less, number may be em'-.

ployed without in any manner departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Various changes and modifications may be 'made in the construction and arrangement herein shown andidescribed, as I have shown, one practical embodiment of my invention, without attemptingto illustrate various modi: fications,thereof within the spirit and scope of my invention. 7

Having described my invention, whatI claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is; v J

1. Pivotally-mounted steering-wheelspin dles, a controller therefor having a swinging 1 r movement, locking means, comprising a fixed annular member, a concentric rotatable do u, ble-cam member having a rigidly-attached radial arm, a.;plurality of oppositely-actinglocking-dogs interposed between the, members,- springs to maintain them operative, a device; concentric with the cam member tjo render one or other dog inoperative,.a radial arm on saiddev ioe one of said arms being operatively connected with the spindlesand the other with the controller, andmeans on one arm to limit movement of theother relative thereto, relative movement of the arms releasing the cam member, and movementin;

unison :rotatingthe-cam member to change the position of the spindles. 1

2. Pivotally-mounted steering-wheel spin: dles, a controllertherefor having'a swinging, movement, locking means comprising arotatable hub having avpair of opposite cam-. faces and a rigidly-attached radial arm,'a. fixed inclosing ring, rolls interposed between the cam-faces and ring, springs to move said;

rolls into locking position, an arm pivotedconcentrically with the hub'and havinga releasing projection interposed. between the rolls, one arm being operatively connected with the spindles and the otherwiththe controller, and means on one arm to limit rela-; tive movement of the other and to normally. center the releasing projection between the rolls, steering movement of the controller. causing relative movement of thearmstorelease the cam-hub, and subsequently movingthe arms in unison to rotate said hub. and change the position of the wheel-spindles.

3. Pivotally-mounted steering-wheel spindles, each having an arm extended at an anglethereto, locking means comprising a fixed. and a rotatable double-cam member, a plurality of interposed oppositel y-actin g lockingdogs interposed betweenthem and normally -IIO maintained in operative. position,'a radial arm rigidly connected with the movable member, areleasingdevice to render one or vthe other-dog inoperative and having an attached arm,'connections between one of said arms and the spindle-arms, a manually-operative controller operatively connected with the 4 other arm, and adjustable means on one arm to yieldingly limit movement of the other arm relatively thereto, and to normally maintain the releasing device inoperative, steering movement of the controller unlocking and permitting movement of the rotative cam member in one direction to thereby change the position of the spindles.

l. Pivotally-mounted steering-wheel spindles, a manually-operated controller therefor having a swinging movement to steer, afixed ring, an inclosed hub having a plurality of pairs of opposite cam-faces, and a radial projection between each pair, and an attached arm, pairs of rolls interposed between the ring and each pair of cam-faces, springs to normally maintain the rolls operative, a series of connected segmental projections interposed respectively between each two rolls and having an attached arm, the wheel-spindles being operatively connected with one and the controller with the other of said arms, and means to permit a predetermined relative movement of one arm relatively to the other, and to normally place the releasing segments in inoperative position, steering movement of the controller in either direction releasing one set of rolls and permitting rotation of the cam-hub in the same direction by continued movement of the controller, to change the position of the wheelspindles.

5. Pivotally-mounted steering-wheel spindles, a controller therefor having a swinging movement, locking means, comprising a fixed annular member, a concentric rotatable double-cam member having a rigidly-attached arm, a plurality of oppositely-acting lockingdogs interposed between the said members, springs to maintain them normally operative, a releasing device to render one or other of the dogs inoperative, an actuating-arm connected with said releasing device, one arm being operatively connected with the spindles and the other with the controller, and adj ustable oppositely-located yielding stops on one arm to engage the other arm and permit a limited yielding relative movement thereof and also serving to normally center the releasing device relatively to the dogs, relative movement of the arms releasing the cam member, and movement in unison rotating said member to change the position of the spindles.

6. Asteering-axle, wheel-spindles pivotally mounted thereon, a controller, a self-locking friction-clutch having its fixed portion rigid with the axle, a movable member, and a releasing member, one of said members being operatively connected with the wheel-spindles and the other member with the controller, and means to permit alimited relative movement of said members to release the clutch, subsequent movement of said members acting through said means to swing the spindles independently of the clutch.

7. A steering-axle, wheel-spindles pivotally mounted thereon, a controller, a self-locking clutch having its fixed portion rigid with the axle, a movable member, a releasing member, one being operatively connected with the adjacent wheel-spindle and the other with the controller, and means to permit alimited relative movement of said members to release the clutch, subsequent movement of said members acting through said means to swing the spindles independently of the clutch.

8. A steei'ingaxle, wheel-spindles pivotally mounted thereon and connected to swing together, a controller therefor, a self-locking clutch applied to one of said spindles, to maintain it normally locked relatively to the axle, and a releasing device operated by the controller, to release the clutch when desired, and connections between the controller and the spindles,to swing the latter independently of the clutch when the same is released.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

OTTO F. PERSSON.

"Witnesses:

JOHN C. EDwAnDs, AUGUSTA E. DEAN. 

